The Southern Belle and the Karma Sip Tra. The Alabama Slammer and the Autumn Thunder. The Couture Fizz and the Vanilla Kiss. These are not just drinks, but statements of intent, says hard-sipping rock journalist Jane Rocca: accessories every bit as vital as shoes when you're planning a night on the town. What you think determines what you drink. Awash with recipes and dripping romance, 'The Cocktail' captures the spirit of every spirit. Learn about the warm companionship of vodka, the old-school primness of gin and the tropical abandon of rum. Drink in the geisha chic of sake, and discover why whiskey and its white trash cousin bourbon are no longer just a guy's best friend.

Illustrated by: Kat McLeod